Fissure Sealants

What are fissure sealants?

Dental fissure sealants are a type of preventive dental treatment that involves applying a thin, plastic coating to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). These surfaces often have deep grooves and fissures that can be difficult to clean properly with a toothbrush, making them more susceptible to tooth decay.

The sealant material is typically applied to the surface of the tooth and hardened with a special light, creating a protective barrier that helps prevent bacteria and food particles from getting trapped in the grooves and causing decay.

Sealants are most commonly applied to the permanent molars of children and teenagers, as these teeth are more prone to developing cavities due to their position at the back of the mouth and the fact that they often have deep grooves and fissures. However, adults may also benefit from dental fissure sealants, particularly if they have teeth that are particularly prone to decay.